Volunteer unit approved

A new volunteer reserve program will provide city officials with extra assistance in emergencies.

The Gluckstadt Emergency Operations Reserve Program will engage volunteers who can assist with relief efforts in the event of a disaster or emergency and can also be utilized to support events such as a 5K run, according to Kerry Minninger, Emergency Operations Coordinator.

“The department’s objective is to create a trained, trusted, and engaged volunteer force that can support first responders and their communities in all stages of emergency operations,’ Minninger wrote in a memorandum to the aldermen.

Candidates would have to pass background checks and demonstrate that they had skills that would be useful in an emergency. 

“Reserves are trained in the Incident Command System (ICS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS),” Minninger’s memo says. “This in-depth training ensures that reserves are knowledgeable about emergency management systems and principles. Reserves may receive training and/or have skills in communications, UAS operations, rescue and recovery operations.” 

The memo goes on to say, “Reserves also receive first aid and CPR training, in addition to emergency management training and classification-specific training. Some reserves may receive CERT training as well.” 

Minninger said FEMA and MEMA have similar volunteer programs.

“Disasters are people-intensive,” Minninger said. “it takes a lot of people to take care of things. This is just another resource to have”

The city’s insurance would also cover the reserve volunteers if they are injured while activated.

The program was unanimously approved by the city board at the May 6 board meeting at City Hall. The board also approved two candidates during the meeting.